Role of fracture toughness in impact-abrasion wear

Abstract

Two new low alloyed steels have been developed with different fracture toughness values but at a similar level of hardness with the same composition and microstructural phase. The steels were subjected to impact-abrasion wear tests. This work examines specifically the additional role of toughness during impact-abrasion wear, using a newly developed high toughness steel. Microstructural characterisation of the damaged samples revealed that better toughness helps resist both impact and abrasion damage.

This research paper investigates the critical influence of fracture toughness on the performance of low-alloyed steels during impact-abrasion wear. By developing two steels with similar hardness but vastly different toughness levels, the authors isolated how material durability responds to simultaneous sliding and striking forces. The findings demonstrate that while hardness is a traditional metric for wear, high toughness significantly reduces material loss by resisting the microchipping and cracking caused by granite impacts. Microstructural analysis revealed that refined martensite in hot-rolled steel allows for superior work hardening at the surface compared to brittle, quenched alternatives.

Ultimately, the study concludes that ductility and toughness are essential parameters for extending the lifespan of industrial equipment used in mining and earth-moving operations.

Wear 428-429 (2019) 430-437
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2019.03.028

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